Multiple Program Openings

Hello Everyone,

I have a problem with multiple copies of the same program opening.
For example, opening "notepad" I get 6-10 copies opening and when opening "Task Manager" it confirms multiple copies running. When I have opened internet explorer, up to 40 copies have opened , with 100% CPU usage.

I have completed exhaustive anti-virus scans with Trend and also Kaspersky, both online and off, including in "safe mode"...no virus or malware of any type has been detected. Also with Ad-aware, nothing nasty at all, the only thing that has shown up is "Alexa Related"

"Incredimail" and other programs like "Office" will not shut down when clicking on close (the red x). I have had a warning come up one time, saying "Incorrect or missing command to program"....or words very close to that effect.

Any suggestions would be most welcome please

Simon

Okay, one simple thing to try.

Go to Start->Run->Type in "notepad" (without quotes) and hit enter.

How many copies open up?

One copy came up using "run""notepad" as you have suggested
I also have noticed one other symptom. On my start menu, microsoft word is at the bottom left , with "notepad" located immediately above this, and "run" is located on the right hand side of the page. Most times, but not every time, I cannot "mouse over" microsoft word to get to "run" or " notepad", without Microsoft word immediately opening.

Thank you for your reply.

Simon

Okay, go to My Computer (windows + e) and go to Tools and then Folder Options. In the General tab (should be first, if not, select it), ensure these options are checked:

Tasks
Show common tasks in folders

Browse folders
Open each folder in the same window

Click items as follows
Double-click an item to open (single click to select) then click click okay.